Cleaning Tips - Fire Water Restoration Service - Carpet Cleaning Chicago - ServiceMaster Chicago

Cleaning Tips
ServiceMaster carpet cleaning tips to help you maintain a good looking carpet and upholstery.

Cleaning Carpets

• If spot is wet, blot it, don't rub. Rubbing spreads the soil.
  

• If spot is dry, loosen soil and vacuum away prior to moistening it.
  

• Always rinse cleaned area thoroughly. If not removed, cleaning products may cause the cleaned area to attract soil.
  

• When taking out stains, always use a white cloth.
  

• Clean spots and stains immediately. You will have much better chance of removing them.
  

• When using any cleaner, dilute according to direction. A mixture that is too potent may cause damage.
  

• Not every stain can be removed. Consult your ServiceMaster professional for cleaning options.
  

• Always pre-test the surface to be cleaned. Apply cleaning solution to an inconspicuous area of the same material. If, after five minutes, the material's color transfers to towel, try another product.
  

• Carpet shampoo is good to have on hand and is available at most hardware stores.
  

• A mild mineral spirit solution is useful for many household cleaning applications.
  

• For wax dropped on carpet or upholstery, set a clean, absorbent cloth over the wax stain and hold a hot iron on it. Lift cloth away and the wax should be removed with the cloth.
  

Carpet Stains

• Scrape off any solids. Blot up liquids quickly, dabbing lightly with a clean white towel or paper towel.
  

• To remove greasy stains, apply a nonflammable dry-cleaning agent to the spot with a white towel. Work from the edges toward the center. Don't scrub. Dab gently until the spot comes clean. Always pretest any cleaning agent on an inconspicuous part of the carpet and let it dry before continuing.
  

• Coat less stubborn greasy stains with aerosol shaving cream or carbonated water. Use a hair dryer to speed dry. Then vacuum.
  

• Sprinkle a greasy stain with baking soda, cornstarch, cornmeal, or talcum powder. Leave on at least 6 hours, then vacuum.
  

• To remove water-soluble stains, apply some detergent solution (1 1/2 teaspoon mild detergent per pint of water), working from the edges to the center of the stain. Place several layers of white tissues or paper towels over the spot and weight down with books or pots and pans. Let stand about one hour. Replace with fresh tissues or towels and leave overnight. Then fluff up the carpet pile with your fingers.